Hi Badgers!

I hope you all had a fantastic first week of school. I am excited to share what I have been up to in this August edition of my monthly update.

At the beginning of August, I had the opportunity to contribute to RBC’s research for their Growth Project titled A Smarter Path: The Case for Postsecondary Education. The report explores challenges within the post-secondary sector and offers ideas for how we can improve it. If you are interested in learning more, I highly recommend checking out the report: A Smarter Path: The case for postsecondary education reform - RBC.

Following that, Fiona (President) and I met with Wayne Gates, MPP from Niagara Falls, to discuss the key issues students are facing at the provincial level and how he can support our advocacy efforts. We covered a range of topics, including gender-based and sexual violence, housing, co-op education, and funding for the post-secondary sector. After this meeting, we have also decided to place a stronger focus on advocating for some of these issues at the municipal level.

As mentioned in my previous update, Tinashe (BUSU Policy Writer) and I finalized our article for Educated Solutions, which will be distributed to all MPPs in Ontario. I am very excited for you all to read it once it is published.

On Aug. 13, I had the chance to connect with several representatives from key organizations in the post-secondary sector. These included Olivia Auriat, Acting Manager of Government and Stakeholder Relations at the Council of Ontario Universities; Rob Kristofferson, President of the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations; Daphne Bonar, Director of Programs and Engagement at the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer; Rich Louttet, Head of Sector Transformation at eCampus; Ryan Tishcoff, a senior researcher; and Julia Colyar, Vice President of Research and Policy at Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario. We discussed collaboration opportunities and shared concerns across the sector. A recurring theme in all our conversations was the urgent need for improved funding to ensure the financial sustainability of post-secondary education. We also discussed Bill 33 and its potential impact on students and institutions. I encourage you to explore the work of these organizations to better understand how they support students and shape the sector.

Alongside Natalia (Vice President, University Affairs) and Brock representatives, I had the privilege of sitting on the evaluation team for the new Student Alumni Centre. I am happy to share that we have selected the final eight general contractors who will now move forward in the bidding process.

Near the end of August, I participated in Smart Start again and had the pleasure of meeting many incoming students and their families. I also helped welcome new international students and provided them with information to support them as they began their journey at Brock.

Lastly, I am excited to share that the OUSA General Assembly is taking place from Oct. 23 to 26. We are currently recruiting delegates. If you are interested in representing Brock, please fill out this form: https://www.brockbusu.ca/surveys/205/ .

Thank you so much for reading. I wish you all the best for this semester and look forward to sharing more updates with you soon.

Sincerely,
Aaditya Gupta
Vice President, External Affairs
Brock University Students’ Union